Sen. Susan M. Collins

Maddy summaryThe INSULIN Act of 2023 sets cost-sharing limits for insulin products under most health insurance plans. Starting in 2024, health plans must cover selected insulin products with no deductible and cost-sharing capped at $35 per 30-day supply before 2025, and at the lesser of $35 or 25% of the negotiated price after 2025. The bill defines "selected insulin products" to include at least one of each dosage form (vial, pen, inhaler) and type (rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, pre-mixed) of insulin. It also requires pharmacy benefit managers to pass through 100% of insulin rebates to health plans and mandates a report on insulin market competition and barriers to biosimilar adoption. This legislation directly affects millions of people with diabetes who rely on insulin and their health insurance plans.

Maddy summaryThe No Child Left Inside Act of 2023 would provide federal grants to states to implement environmental literacy plans in K-12 education. These plans would integrate outdoor learning experiences into regular school curriculum, provide teacher professional development focused on environmental content, and create outdoor learning spaces on school grounds. The bill includes a specific grant program for outdoor school education programs that offer multi-day, hands-on environmental experiences aligned with academic standards. Priority would be given to high-need schools serving students from low-income families, with states required to report annually on program implementation and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThe Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act amends federal criminal statutes to clarify legal standards and increase penalties for specific violent crimes. It clarifies that assaults on federal officers are general intent crimes (removing the need to prove defendants specifically intended to harm officers), increases carjacking penalties to 20 years for first offenses (up from 15) and up to 40 years when weapons are used, and creates a new offense for distributing candy-flavored controlled substances to minors with penalties of up to 20 years for repeat violations. The bill also updates sentencing guidelines to require a 2-level enhancement for the new candy-flavored drug offense. These changes apply to existing federal criminal codes without creating new crime categories beyond the specified provisions.

Maddy summarySRES 161 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 22-30, 2023, as "National Park Week." It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally recognizes the National Park System's significance. The resolution highlights the parks' historical value, visitor impact (312 million visits in 2022), and economic contributions ($42.5 billion in 2021). It encourages public engagement with national parks but contains no funding, regulatory changes, or policy mechanisms. As a procedural resolution, it serves purely to honor the parks' legacy.

Maddy summarySRES 120 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating March 23, 2023, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the significant contributions of women in U.S. agriculture, citing that they represent over one-third of agricultural producers and generated $148 billion in sales in 2017. The resolution encourages citizens to acknowledge women in the field and supports their roles as producers, educators, mentors, and leaders. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to highlight their impact on the agricultural workforce and food systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to fund collaborative PTSD research between U.S. academic institutions and Israeli organizations. It directs the Secretary of Defense (with VA and State Department coordination) to award grants to U.S. nonprofits or universities partnering with Israeli entities on PTSD research projects. The grants require joint research agreements between U.S. and Israeli partners and mandate annual reports to Congress on project outcomes. The program is authorized for seven years from the first grant award and operates under an existing 1972 U.S.-Israel scientific cooperation agreement. It does not fund direct patient treatment or change existing VA services.

Maddy summaryThe Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2023 establishes new funding streams to prevent species from needing Endangered Species Act protection and aid recovery of already-listed species. It provides $850 million in 2024 (increasing to $1.3 billion annually after 2027) to states, territories, and tribes through a new Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Subaccount, with 15% required for endangered species recovery. The bill also creates a Tribal Wildlife Conservation Account ($97.5 million annually) and an Endangered Species Recovery Fund ($187.5 million annually), with funds to be used for habitat conservation, species management, invasive species control, and conservation education. States must use funds to implement their Wildlife Conservation Strategies, and all funding must supplement, not replace, existing conservation programs. The legislation requires annual reporting to Congress on how funds are used and progress on conservation goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to revise its occupational classification system to properly count dual-role firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics as EMS practitioners. It directs the Secretary of Labor to add four specific job categories (including "Firefighter/EMTs" and "Firefighter/Paramedics") to the Standard Occupational Classification System within 120 days. This change directly affects the accuracy of national workforce data for EMS personnel, who respond to over 22 million emergency calls annually. The bill aims to ensure government agencies have reliable data to inform emergency preparedness and policy decisions related to public health crises and disasters. A report on implementation must be submitted to Congress within 270 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals two specific legal authorizations for U.S. military force against Iraq: the 1991 authorization (Public Law 102-1) and the 2002 authorization (Public Law 107-243). If enacted, it would end the legal basis for military operations in Iraq under these two resolutions. The repeal directly affects the executive branch’s authority to use military force against Iraq under these specific laws. It does not create new policy but removes existing legal permissions.

Maddy summarySRES 136 is a Senate resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to communities across the United States. It highlights their service in areas like education support, disaster response, environmental protection, and assisting vulnerable populations, while encouraging the public to honor their work and consider joining national service programs. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their impact.